Chick-fil-A policy on teens prompts mixed reaction

An Ohio Chick-fil-A in Kettering faced backlash after posting a teen chaperone rule ahead of the new school year.

Chick-fil-A tightens teen policy and triggers backlash

Chick-fil-A in Kettering, Ohio posted a Teen Chaperone Policy on Facebook stating that customers 17 and younger must dine with an adult at least 21 to eat in. The policy mirrors the Town and Country Shopping Center rule which has required an accompanying adult since January 2022. The Kettering restaurant is locally owned and says policies vary by site and location.

The policy shows how brands navigate space in community shopping areas where rules are set by the center as well as the franchise owner. When a location relies on a mall or center for foot traffic, it often follows the center’s rules, even if those rules differ from other branches. That creates a patchwork approach rather than a uniform brand standard.

The controversy highlights a broader tension between safety and access. For some customers the rule feels like a necessary safeguard; for others it reads as gatekeeping that could deter families and after school crowds. The outcome may depend on how the policy is enforced and how much customers value consistent experiences across different locations.

Highlights

Policy changes like this test how communities balance safety with access